UW swimming adds nine recruits

UW swimming and diving program announced its 2005-06 recruiting class Wednesday

The Wisconsin men's and women's swim teams will have nine new faces next fall, according to head coach Eric Hansen, who announced the 2005-06 recruiting class.

The group, consisting of three women and six men, brings a wealth of experience; between them, the recruits have nine U.S. Open qualifying times, five national qualifying standards and 11 state championships.

Yi Ting Siow, from Jacksonville, Fla., represented Malaysia at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, placing 21st in the 200-meter breaststroke at Athens. Jennifer Illescas of East Elmhurst, N.Y., qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 200-meter butterfly and 400-meter freestyle.

"We feel good about the experience and type of athletes we're getting to continue moving forward on the women's side," Hansen said. "These recruits will certainly complement our returnees well."

Among the highlights of the men's recruits are Scott Rice, who won state titles in the 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay, and the 400 freestyle relay at Mt. Rainier High School in Washington. Mike Hopkins won state championships in the 100 backstroke and 400 freestyle relay in 2003 at Concord High School in Delaware.

Yi Ting Siow (Jacksonville, Fla./The Bolles School) … Represented Malaysia at 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games … finished 22nd in 200-meter IM (2:19.52), 36th in 100-meter breaststroke (1:13.70) and 21st in the 200-meter breaststroke (2:33.79) at 2004 Athens Games … 2003 Florida 1A state champion in 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard breaststroke … won gold medal at the Sea Games in 2001 … was one of only two swimmers representing Malaysia at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.